CASTING
Cast the rig using a side-arm technique. Overhead casting may cause the
leader to snag behind you or to whip and snap off. The side-arm lets the
bubble lead and allows the fly to land without tension. Retrieve with the
pole at the side so hooking the fish can be done with a snap of the wrist
and arm.
Dry & wet flies should be retrieved very slowly as if the bug was drifting
towards the shore with the waves. Slight twitching may be added to
stimulate struggle. The bubble should make a slight wake to ensure
sufficient tension on the line. Strikes will then be felt and
distinguished over "bumps". The bubble also acts as a strike indicator, so
watch it carefully to hook the smart fish.
Submerged flies are a different game. Before casting, drop the fly &
bubble in the water and count as it sinks. Note the amount of seconds per
foot. After casting, count off the depth using your predetermined seconds
per foot gauge. Most submerged flies and streamers work best at 5-10'
depth, but sometimes a greater depth might be desired. When at the depth
chosen, the bubble will keep the fly at this level for the first
three-quarters of the retrieve. The bugger or streamer will imitate a
swimming action, so use a stop-&-go action or add slow pulls while
reeling.
HOOKING
Use a very short set when you feel the strike. If the fish is missed, keep
reeling slowly. Trout will often return for another look and a more
vicious follow-up strike.
When a fish is hooked, it is important to keep constant pressure on the
line to cut down on the possibility of the fish throwing the hook. Keep
your line and rod tip near the water to minimize the chances of the trout
becoming airborne. This creates a lot of surface tension between the line
and water which makes it harder for the trout to leap with both the weight
of the bubble and the wet line.
LANDING
Use a net or beach-land the trout. The leader is long and often tempts a
novice to grab the line. The fighting fish is fighting the tension and
action of the pole. If the line is grabbed, the spring action ends and the
fish fights only the strength of the line. Nine times out of ten, the
leader will snap. Rule of thumb: NEVER GRAB THE LINE! Play and tire the
fish out, then land or net the trout.
CONTINUING
This form of fly fishing can become a productive strategy for catching
trout in lakes. Often, the fish will be rising for flies, dimpling the
surface a considerable distance off shore. The traditional fly rodder
simply can't reach these trout unless floating in a tube. The bank angler
who is proficient with a fly and bubble rig can really excel at putting on
a great show. There's nothing like the thrill of landing a fighting trout
amidst an audience of bait fishermen and considering whether or not to
answer their question: "So, what's your secret?"
About the Author:
Greg Howard, Publisher mailto:
howard@flyhook.com
Flyhook: "Anglers Who'd Rather Fish than Surf."
http://www.flyhook.com
